Regulations Governing Social Fraternities

I. COLLEGE POLICIES

Statement of Philosophy

Hampden-Sydney College is a small, independent liberal arts institution with a long-standing history of academic excellence and concern for the development of men with character. The common ground of all members of the College community is, therefore, the development of the intellects and character of its students. It is also the purpose of the College to enrich the personal lives of its students and enhance their ability to serve society as good men and good citizens.

It is with these aims in mind that the College has approved and supported the establishment of fraternities on the campus. Each recognized chapter has purposes stated by the national organization which are in harmony with those of the College. Fraternities, therefore, exist in order to complement and supplement the curriculum and programs offered by the College. Their role is to promote the pursuit of academic excellence and the development of character, to enrich the personal lives of their members, and further the ability of their members to serve society.

In this context, then, it is clear that the national fraternities, of which our local chapters are a part, share the values and goals of the College. Any additional goals our fraternities hold for themselves should be compatible with those of the institution, and the practices of all recognized organizations should contribute to an overall educational atmosphere. Hampden-Sydney’s underlying philosophy towards rules and regulations is one of granting a maximum amount of individual freedom within a context of a residential campus and at the same time expecting a high degree of personal and corporate responsibility in order to maintain a campus atmosphere which is conducive to teaching, studying, learning and positive personal development.

Membership in a fraternity provides opportunities for students to broaden their educational experiences while at the College, and it also offers students an option which can enrich and supplement their personal lives. The College recognizes this and encourages the presence of fraternities and the contributions they can make to the life of the College.

There are, however, several governing principles that guide the formal relationship of fraternities to the College, among them being the following:

That the College authorizes the granting of a charter for the existence of a chapter on campus and also may withdraw that authorization;

That the Student Affairs Committee of the Faculty establishes regulations governing fraternity activities;

That regulations governing fraternity activities will ultimately be enforced by the Dean of Students;

That the Assistant Dean of Students and the Interfraternity Council supervise all fraternities;

That the activities which occur at fraternity houses are subject to regulation by the College, as are the general activities of fraternities;

That fraternity houses are considered a part of the overall residential housing program of the College, and if fraternities are not able to fill their prescribed housing quotas, the College reserves the right under the lease agreement in an emergency situation to assign non-members to the houses as a last resort to solve pressing demand for housing;

That fraternities are expected to take care of their facilities and environs so that at all times they reflect positively on the fraternities and the College.

At the same time it is the responsibility of the College:

To provide fraternities with supervision;

To help them find fraternity advisors;

To provide them with resources for leadership training, scholarship improvement, problem-solving, and program planning;

To assist them in their planning to recruit members and communicate with their alumni.

(N.B. All fraternity houses are owned by the College and are leased back to the respective House Corporations. For all fraternities the Housing Regulations are in effect, and when applicable, supersede Section Ⅱ F, below.)

Ⅱ. College Expectations for Greek Organizations

In order to help ensure that fraternities are supporting the aims of the institution, maximizing their contribution to the personal development of their members, and maintaining a sound organization, it is expected that each chapter will engage in the following activities:

Scholarship: The fraternity environment shall be conducive to study and supportive of each member’s academic efforts. Programs should be planned around the academic needs of members, using College resources such as the Office of Academic Success, Office of Career Education and Vocational Reflection, the Writing Center, etc. Formal scholarship programs and activities such as tutoring and discussion groups; workshops concerning study skills, writing, career development, etc. are strongly encouraged. This is a serious concern of the College and is a necessary ingredient of a fraternity’s contribution to and support of College objectives. The fraternity advisor should have a significant role to play in these endeavors.

Rules and Regulations: It is assumed that all fraternity members are aware of College regulations pertaining to fraternities; the Interfraternity Council Constitution and Statutes; the Code of Student Conduct; the Honor Code; local, state, and federal laws; and that they are following them. Further, it is important that each chapter have clearly-stated internal rules and appropriate standards which are responsibly enforced by the officers.

Rush: The purpose of rush is to present the fraternity option to Hampden-Sydney College students, primarily freshmen, who are not affiliated with a Greek organization. As such, it should be open and honest and introduce prospective members to all phases of a chapter’s activities and to the personal and financial responsibilities that membership entails.

Pledge/Associate Member Education: In order to complement such a rush program it is mandatory that each fraternity have a positive pledge/associate program. Educational and related activities are necessary if each new pledge/associate is to become familiar with and accept both the business and friendship aspects of his chapter. Examples of such activities include learning the history, purposes, and goals of the national fraternity; developing management skills; meeting financial obligations; and involvement in alcohol education programs and service projects. Also, the amount of time a pledge/associate spends in doing things with older brothers is important in developing attitudes of sharing and caring, creating a strong fraternal bond of brotherhood, and promoting a sense of responsibility toward the continuity of the fraternity for those who are to come after the pledges/associates in ensuing years. Conversely, practices which involve hazing (any activity of physical or psychological abuse that is degrading or humiliating to another person), the destruction or removal of property, the abuse of alcohol, or activities that do not encourage respect for others are not acceptable at Hampden-Sydney College.

Finances and Chapter Operations: Financial obligations of chapters and individuals within their chapters are expected to be met. Any fraternity not free of debt contracted through its annual operations by June 30 of each fiscal year will have its recognition to operate as a fraternity withdrawn until that indebtedness is eliminated. During the school year, any fraternity not meeting its financial obligations may be required to cease social programming until the indebtedness is removed or suitable means to pay off the debt have been established.

Care of Property: It is expected that the physical premises of each fraternity be maintained in good repair, inside and outside, at all times. Failure to keep the house and furnishings in good repair will lead to disciplinary action. There will be regular inspections of fraternity property. Finally, it is expected that all hazards to health or safety will be promptly eliminated.

Social Activities: Fraternities provide a variety of socializing activities which contribute to members’ personal development and which serve an integrative function for the general campus community. In addition to hosting parties responsibly, each chapter should endeavor to provide a variety of activities which will expand each student’s experiences. They might include interaction with faculty and administrators, citizens of Prince Edward County and the town of Farmville, and other campus organizations.

External Relations: Members and chapters must be concerned about their impact on their neighbors. Because fraternity houses are located in or near campus residential areas, extra care should be taken to respect neighbors’ rights to privacy and quiet, and fraternities should be sensitive to the fact that excessive noise can have an impact on the general College community as well. Also, excellent opportunities exist for fraternities to make a positive impact through community and College service projects. In regard to inter-fraternity relations, every effort should be made to foster good relations and mutual respect among fraternities. Recognizing that alumni are a source of strength for both the College and the fraternities, each fraternity should make an effort to keep in touch with its alumni and involve them in the programs of the fraternity.

Programming: Fraternities should take advantage of College resources and of persons known through personal friendships and contacts with members to enhance the personal lives of their members by scheduling workshops or discussions on leadership, personal finances, careers, hobbies, gender issues, etc.

Evaluation: Each fraternity should annually make the effort to ask itself whether or not it is realizing its full potential by serving its members and the College in areas indicated in this document. A self-evaluation could begin by members asking themselves such questions as:

How successful is the chapter in supporting members’ academic efforts?

Does the chapter environment provide members sufficient opportunities to study and sleep?

What does the fraternity provide that could not be received outside the organization?

How many members are actively involved in planning and executing chapter activities?

How does the chapter interact with non-Greek students, members of other fraternities, faculty, administrators, and alumni?

What individual responsibilities does each member have to the fraternity?

How is the fraternity viewed by others?

How well is the chapter meeting its responsibilities to its members, the College, and the national office?

How well are the advisor and the College meeting their responsibilities to the chapter?

The College supports a strong, positive fraternity experience that is consistent with the mission and aims of Hampden-Sydney. It is to maintain and strengthen the system that this document has been developed and that the above expectations of the College for its fraternities have been established.

Interfraternity Council Policy on Greek Week Activities

Planning for Greek Week must take into consideration that all (individual fraternity and IFC) activities are to be held on campus, that Greek Week is not to be expanded* by activities on or off campus, directly or indirectly sponsored by fraternities or individuals, during the preceding or following week, that Greek Week is a normal academic week and activities must be confined to a reasonable period within the week and paced so as not to have a negative impact on classes, and that no activity shall be planned which constitutes a danger to persons or property. Special emphasis should be given to planning events which give recognition to fraternities and fraternity men who have excelled and made significant contributions to fraternities and the College during the past year. The week should be a balanced celebration of the best of what fraternity life represents.

*In April of 1988, the IFC passed a rule that prohibits any fraternity from hosting or participating in any off-campus party on the Sunday preceding or following Greek Week.

Statement of Official College Policy Concerning Illegal Drugs in Fraternities

Should a member or pledge at any time be caught using and/or possessing illegal drugs in or around a fraternity house or its environs, or should at any time a fraternity tolerate the use or possession of illegal drugs openly or covertly by anyone in or around its house and environs or at an off-campus fraternity function, the Interfraternity Council Judiciary Committee would take the following actions:

Notify the fraternity in question of the situation. The fraternity would be given 48 hours to report any individual(s) involved with the drug-related offense to the Interfraternity Council Judiciary Committee. The Honor Code shall be upheld throughout the course of the investigation and resolution. If the fraternity fails to report the individual(s) involved, the Interfraternity Council Judiciary Committee would place the fraternity under a twelve-week period of social closing.

The individual(s) turned over to the Interfraternity Council Judiciary Committee would then be turned over to the Student Court system with all information that became known from the initial accusation and following internal investigation.

All resolutions shall be reported to the Assistant Dean of Students. The Interfraternity Council shall then notify the national office of the accused fraternity and report the Interfraternity Council Judiciary Committee’s resolution. The national fraternity can then place the chapter on probation, suspend the charter, or lift the charter (permanently), depending on the specific circumstances.

If the Interfraternity Council Judiciary Committee does not take satisfactory action as presented in this policy, the Assistant Dean of Students shall act on behalf of the College to place the fraternity at least on probation and, possibly, to withdraw institutional recognition of the fraternity, in effect, closing the fraternity for a stated period of time, indefinitely, or permanently.

Should a member or pledge at any time be caught selling and/or distributing illegal drugs in or around a fraternity house or its environs, or should at any time a fraternity tolerate the sale and/or distribution of illegal drugs openly or covertly by anyone in or around its house and environs or at an off-campus fraternity function, the Assistant Dean of Students would take the following actions:

Notify the national office of that fraternity and suggest that the national fraternity, depending on the specific circumstances, place the chapter on probation, suspend the charter, or lift the charter (permanently).

Act on behalf of the College, to place the fraternity at least on probation and, possibly, to withdraw institutional recognition of the fraternity, in effect, closing the fraternity for a stated period of time, indefinitely, or permanently.Individuals involved would be handled according to normally established procedures.

Fireplace Policy

Fireplaces are prohibited from all Hampden-Sydney College student residences, including fraternity houses, unless the following criteria are met:

One operable fireplace shall be allowed in each residence hall.

The fireplace is constructed in a safe manner, meeting all codes.

The fireplace is located in a common space. No fireplaces shall be allowed in student sleeping rooms.

The room in which the fireplace is located must be monitored with a smoke and heat detection system that meets all code requirements.

The room in which the fireplace is located and the building must be sprinkled.

There must be audible and visual alarm systems located within the room where the fireplace is located and on the exterior of the building.

The fireplace must be inspected and cleaned annually. This is a Hampden-Sydney College responsibility.

Each fraternity must maintain its liability insurance as stated under the terms of its lease with the College.

Fires must be contained within the fire box, which may not extend beyond the vertical plane of the header.

All flammable material (rugs, furniture, firewood, combustible material) must be kept at a safe distance.

Fireplace tools and screen must be used at all times.

Only firewood should be burned in the fireplace. Do not use pressure treated wood or plywood.

COLD ashes must be disposed of properly. Ash cans must be available and used both in the room and outside the building.

Evacuation plans must be properly displayed and all occupants must be familiar with the plans.

Users should be smart, safe, and use common sense.

Approved by the College Safety Committee April 23, 1998.

II. INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL CONSTITUTION

Preamble

Fraternities are ultimately responsible to the College. The fraternity system is self-governing, though it is recognized that the operation of the fraternity system must be consistent with the policies, bylaws, and charter of the College.

Article Ⅰ

The name of this organization shall be the Interfraternity Council of Hampden-Sydney College.

Article Ⅱ

Section 1.

The Council shall consist of the president and a representative of each fraternity at Hampden-Sydney College.

Each fraternity shall have one vote only.

Section 2.

The new full Interfraternity Council shall take office at the first meeting in January.

Article Ⅲ

Section 1.

The Interfraternity Council shall meet the first Tuesday in every month.

Section 2.

Special meetings may be called by the Chairman of the Council or by any three members thereof.

Section 3.

Presidents of two-thirds of the member fraternities shall constitute a quorum.

Section 4.

A majority vote of all voting members of the Council shall be required on all motions unless otherwise provided.

Article Ⅳ

Section 1.

The officers of the Interfraternity Council shall be a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Secretary-Treasurer, and an alternate to the Judiciary Committee.

Section 2.

Both old and new members of the IFC will have nominating rights when nominations for officers of the Council are made at the IFC meeting in February.

The officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the new members of the Council at the first meeting in February.

Voting shall be by secret ballot.

The new officers shall be installed at the first meeting in April.

The term of each office shall be from the first meeting in April until the first meeting of the following April.

The Chairman shall be paid an annual stipend of $200, and the Vice Chairman and the Secretary-Treasurer shall receive $100 each.

Section 3.

The duties of the Chairman shall be to preside at all meetings, to chair and (at his discretion and in conjunction with the Assistant Dean of Students) to act for the Judiciary Committee, to see that the laws of this Constitution and the Interfraternity Council Statutes are enforced, and to call special meetings of the Council.

The duties of the Vice Chairman are to preside at IFC meetings in the absence of the Chairman and to serve as a member of the IFC Judiciary Committee, to assist the IFC Chairman as requested, and to serve as public relations liaison.

The duties of the Secretary-Treasurer shall be to record minutes of all meetings, to notify members of the time and place of all meetings, to handle all correspondence of the Council, to collect all dues and fines, and to handle the general finances of the Council.

Section 4.

A Judiciary Committee of the IFC shall be composed of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary-Treasurer of the IFC, as well as an alternate.

The Judiciary Committee shall be concerned with infractions of the IFC Statutes and any matters that bring discredit or that reflect negatively on individual fraternities or fraternities in general and shall undertake measures to insure that fraternity officers are performing their functions as outlined in the Statutes. The Judiciary Committee may impose singly or in combination penalties such as the following:

Issue a letter of warning.

Impose a monetary fine not to exceed $100 per incident.

Impose a work, service, or education requirement.

Place a fraternity on probation.

Withdraw social and fraternity privileges(on and off campus), as follows:

Social Closing: No organized social activities may be conducted by the fraternity in the house, on campus or off campus. Women will not be allowed in the fraternity house unless they are guests of house residents. (It is assumed that each resident will have no more than one female guest at a time.) Brothers may gather in the house to conduct fraternity business, watch television, play cards, etc., but never should there be any evidence of a party with the attendant music, drinking, dancing, etc. It is expected that during such periods the brothers will have full responsibility for the maintenance of the house and grounds. Social closing shall not normally exceed one full semester. Violation of social closing will lead automatically to house closing.

House Closing: The fraternity house and grounds are closed to all fraternity members and other students except residents of the house and a limited number of their guests. The fraternity is to hold no organized social functions on or off campus. The maintenance of the house and yard is the responsibility of its residents.

Final Closing: Residents will be required to vacate the fraternity house, which will be off limits to all students. The house will be locked and secured by personnel from the Department of Buildings and Grounds, who will assume responsibility for the maintenance of the yard in accordance with the College Standards. This is an extreme action which would be taken in response to any equally grave disregard for accepted standards of conduct or as the final step when lesser sanctions have proven ineffectual. If this action is taken, the administration must concur and the national organization will be informed of the sanction and the reason or reasons for its being imposed.

Any decision of the Judiciary Committee may be appealed to the Interfraternity Council for a final review. The Council may, by a vote of three-quarters majority, revise any penalty imposed. Any Appeal must be initiated within one week of the initial decision by the Judiciary Committee.

Judiciary decisions of the Interfraternity Council shall be reported to the Assistant Dean of Students.

Section 5.

Other committees may be established by the executive committee of the Council to aid in conducting the duties of the Council.

Article Ⅴ

Each fraternity shall pay to the Interfraternity Council annual dues of $10 for each member. Upon initially pledging, each new pledge shall pay $40 directly to the IFC. The funds collected shall be used to advance the total fraternity program. The due date will be set by the Secretary-Treasurer of the IFC. Failure to pay dues by this date may result in a penalty determined by the Judiciary Committee.

Article Ⅵ

Amendments to this Constitution require a three-fourths majority of the entire Council.

Article Ⅶ

Admission of a new fraternity to membership in the Council shall require a three-fourths majority vote of the entire Council in favor of the petition.

Article Ⅷ

All measures passed by a majority vote of the Council at its regular meetings shall be entered into the Statutes from the time of their passage. These must be approved annually by the IFC.

III. INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL STATUTES

ARTICLE Ⅰ. General

These Statutes establish the standards to which individual fraternities and the community of fraternities will conform. A fraternity is above all a brotherhood, and self-interest is always secondary to the common good; moreover, the interests of a fraternity must never supersede one’s loyalty to and concern for the College. A fraternity man, like every Hampden-Sydney man, is honorable and responsible, attends to scholarship, willingly accepts positions of leadership or serves faithfully and ably those who lead, meets his financial obligations in a timely manner, accepts fully his responsibility to uphold the standards of the community, is moderate in his social habits and encourages such behavior among his brothers. Fraternities must support and foster the goals of the academic community of which they are an integral part and protect their own reputation and that of the College from harm. No conduct shall be tolerated that reflects detrimentally upon the College or the community of fraternities.

The Interfraternity Council Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over matters involving conduct by groups in the fraternity context.

ARTICLE Ⅱ. Academic Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of every student is to commit sufficient time and effort to obtain a good education. Every fraternity shall promote in a substantial and visible fashion a way of life that aids each student in achieving this goal and that reinforces the fraternity’s proper role as a part of an academic community. The IFC recognizes and rewards academic excellence. Prior to the beginning of each semester the IFC in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of the Faculty will design a plan to implement the goals stated above.

ARTICLE Ⅲ. Leadership

Strong leadership at every level is essential to a successful fraternity. The IFC will conduct workshops in the spring of each year for new fraternity officers. The purpose of these workshops will be to promote and foster individual leadership as well as cooperation among the fraternities.

ARTICLE Ⅳ. Community Service

Fraternities should be sensitive to the needs of the larger community of which they are a part. Each fraternity will conduct at least one community service project each semester.

ARTICLE Ⅴ. Property

Section 1.

The care of fraternity property is the exercise of responsible campus citizenship and recognition of the current brotherhood’s responsibility to future brothers. Wanton destruction of property (including a fraternity’s own house, furnishings, and other property) will not be tolerated. If damage occurs, the president of the fraternity will take disciplinary action beyond restitution (such as a fine or revocation of social privileges) against the individuals responsible. This action will be reviewed by the IFC Judiciary Committee,* which may suggest further action or act independently to discipline the fraternity. If the IFC Judiciary Committee* finds the president unwilling to act or act effectively, the house will be placed on house closing. Under no circumstances is even minor damage or destruction considered acceptable.

Individuals involved in destructive acts in the fraternity context are under the jurisdiction of the Student Court and can be prosecuted under the Code of Student Conduct.

Section 2.

Fraternity houses will be inspected on a regular basis. The purpose of these inspections is to assure that each house is safe, clean, in good repair and reasonably attractive.

Section 3.

Each fraternity is expected to clean its yard and environs, including its parking lot and the area adjacent to the road, after every social function.

*In this, as in all disciplinary matters related to fraternities, the Chairman of the IFC and the Assistant Dean of Students may act together for the Judiciary Committee (IFC Constitution Article Ⅳ, Section 3).

Section 4.

Areas adjacent to fraternity houses and the exterior and interior of houses should be clean at all times, and penalties may be imposed by the IFC or Assistant Dean of Students at any time. If the problem is habitual, the house will be placed on house closing for an extended period.

Section 5.

Each house will be locked during holiday periods, including the summer. No student may enter a fraternity house during vacations without the prior permission of the Assistant Dean of Students.

Section 6.

All fraternities share the responsibility for cleaning the area surrounding College Church each Sunday morning before 11 am. A schedule is prepared by the IFC.

Section 7.

Each fraternity may negotiate with Buildings and Grounds for the use of equipment according to College policy. Each fraternity is responsible for all equipment it borrows. The IFC and Buildings and Grounds personnel will share responsibility for cleaning the Circle during holidays and special weekends, as indicated in the yard-care plan.

ARTICLE Ⅵ. Finances

Section 1.

A fraternity should maintain accurate records of all financial transactions. Bills must be paid promptly and regularly. Financial obligations to house corporations and national offices must also be met promptly and in full. If it comes to the attention of the IFC that a fraternity has failed to meet its financial responsibilities, the fraternity will have seven days to initiate action and thirty days to correct the problem or the house will be placed on social closing until the financial obligations are discharged or arrangements made which are satisfactory to creditors.

ARTICLE Ⅶ. Social Activities

Section 1.

Fraternity functions may never conflict with home, varsity, intercollegiate athletic contests, or major College events.

Parties are not allowed on campus on Sundays.

Noise shall never be excessive.

Section 2: Weeknight Parties

During the week (5 pm Monday to 3 pm on Friday), fraternity houses are reserved for use of members, pledges, female guests, and a limited number of guests from the Hampden-Sydney community and their dates.

Weeknight parties may not begin before 5 pm.

All weekday parties shall be inside the house, quiet, and unobtrusive and end by 1:30 am.

Bands (live music) are not allowed in fraternity houses on weeknights (Monday–Thursday nights).

Noise shall never be excessive.

Section 3: Weekend Parties

Friday night

Parties may not begin before 3 pm.

Bands are allowed outside the house from 3 pm until 8 pm on Fridays.

Bands are allowed inside the house from 3 pm on Friday until 2:30 am on Saturday mornings.

Saturday night

Parties may not begin before 2 pm.

Bands are allowed outside the house from 2 pm to 8 pm on Saturdays.

Bands are allowed inside the house from 2 pm on Saturdays until 2:30 am on Sunday mornings.

Noise shall never be excessive.

Bands (live music) are not allowed at any times other than those stated above.

Section 4: Off-campus Parties

A fraternity is fully responsible for the conduct of members, pledges, and guests at its off-campus social functions.

Off-campus social functions shall conform to the hours stated in Sections 1, 2, 3 and 5 of Article VII and to all IFC and College regulations governing social activities.

Off-campus social functions shall demonstrate consideration for the rights and sensibilities of the neighboring community.

Parking and traffic shall not disrupt public roads or intrude upon private property.

Noise shall never be excessive.

The administration disapproves of any off campus social function which is not of a limited nature.*

*(N.B. — Off-campus fraternity parties are discouraged because they often disrupt the community surrounding the campus and increase the potential for drinking and driving. Such activities must never become a regular part of a fraternity’s social life.)

Section 5: Exceptions

Any social event not covered by the hours and regulations above, or in exception to them, must be approved by the Chairman of the IFC and the Assistant Dean of Students at least two (2) days before the event.

If a band is approved for outside the house on Friday or Saturday night, the music must stop at 1 am.

A fraternity should not make any obligation, financial or otherwise, which requires an exception to the above without the prior approval in writing of the Assistant Dean of Students.

ARTICLE Ⅷ. Social Responsibilities

Every fraternity is responsible for the behavior of its members, pledges, and guests,* both at social functions and as they return to the community.

Section 1.

The president of the fraternity or his designees are responsible for maintaining proper conduct at every social function. The duties/expectations of the president or his designees are as follows:

To maintain order and to uphold IFC Statutes and the Code of Student Conduct.

To ask disruptive or undesirable persons to leave.†

To call campus security, first, and the Assistant Dean of Students, second, if disruptive or undesirable persons refuse to leave, or if significant trouble occurs.

To assist in the identification of persons who destroy property, violate laws and rules, and/or cause harm to, or abuse of, persons.

To report to the Assistant Dean of Students by noon the following day, or by noon Monday if the party is held on a Friday or Saturday night, any incident or wrongdoing which occurs at a social function. At the discretion of the IFC Judiciary Committee and/or of the Associate Dean of Students, failure to report can lead to withdrawal of social privileges.

Section 2.

The fraternity shall ensure that its members, pledges, and guests leaving social events are aware of their responsibilities as individual citizens of the community.

ARTICLE Ⅸ. Alcoholic Beverages

Section 1.

If alcoholic beverages are consumed at a fraternity function, they must be consumed in a responsible manner and in an environment which does not encourage alcohol abuse. Alcoholic beverages are often a complement to many social activities; it is that attitude which every fraternity—and College—activity should foster. Alcoholic beverages must never be the focus of any activity. A fraternity must never promote or allow alcohol abuse or the violation of ABC regulations. The laws of the State of Virginia, ABC regulations, and these Statutes apply to all fraternity functions both on and off campus.

Both individuals and fraternities are civilly and criminally liable under the law.

Section 2.

No fraternity may use funds from its treasury to purchase alcohol for any purpose or co-sponsor an event where alcohol is served or provided. Also, no individuals, acting alone or in groups, may collect, donate, or use their own money to purchase or provide alcohol for any fraternity event, social or otherwise. This means no alcohol may be provided/served by any fraternity.

Section 3.

All approved fraternity social events shall be B.Y.O.B. or dry events. The expectation for B.Y.O.B. events is that only those persons of legal age will possess and consume alcoholic beverages.

Section 4.

Only those students and guests who are of legal age may bring alcoholic beverages into a fraternity party. All guests and students of legal age must be given a wristband.

Section 5.

No kegs or other common containers of alcohol are permitted in fraternity houses or at other fraternity functions unless written authorization is made by the appropriate College official, in advance.

Section 6.

Signs and other advertisements of parties on and off campus shall make no reference to alcoholic beverages and shall always be in good taste, conforming to the College’s policy on alcohol. They must be approved in advance by the Associate Dean of Students.

Section 7.

Failure to abide by these regulations or to demonstrate a regard for the consequences of alcohol abuse will result in the fraternity’s being placed on social closing. The responsibility of the fraternity for the well-being of its guests extends beyond the location of any social activity. No one shall be allowed to leave a fraternity social activity unless he is able to function normally and safely.

Section 8.

In cooperation with the Wellness Center, every fraternity will develop a member education program on alcohol and alcohol abuse.

ARTICLE Ⅹ. Membership

Section 1.

Fraternities are an important component of the social life at H-SC for many students. In order to introduce new students to the H-SC fraternity system, an Introduction to Fraternities will be held on the first Thursday of September in the evening at College Church. The Introduction to Fraternities meeting will entail an introduction of the Interfraternity Council and Recruitment Chairmen, an overview of the Recruitment and Pledge process and calendar, a charge to the freshmen from the IFC Chairman, and the distribution of the schedule for Open Houses and the Recruitment Brochure. Each fraternity will hold an Open House over the course of the following week. An Open House is an opportunity for an interested student to visit a fraternity house, mingle with the brothers in a formal setting, and learn what the fraternity is about and in what programs and activities the fraternity participates. Faculty advisors and local alumni will be invited to the Open House. The Open House will not be a party and will take place early in the evening with a one hour time limit.

No freshmen are permitted at fraternity houses or on Fraternity Circle until after the Introduction to Fraternities meeting on the first Thursday in September. No freshmen are permitted at events on fraternity circle during the Fall semester other than registered rush events and registered weekend social events.

Any fraternity which allows freshmen in the house before the Introduction to Fraternities meeting, or otherwise violates this statute, will be subject to sanctions by the Interfraternity Council’s Judiciary Committee and the Office of Student Affairs. Any freshman who violates this statute will be subject to sanctions by the student justice system.

Section 2.

Each fraternity may hold two registered, formal rush events during the course of the first semester. These events are scheduled by the IFC. A fraternity may petition the Office of Student Affairs to hold one additional rush event.

Smokers will be held during the first full week of the second semester. These are also scheduled by the IFC.

A student must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in order to accept a bid to join a fraternity.

Section 3.

Each fraternity may have two registered rush events per month. These events are to be registered with the college in much the same manner as parties during the weekend are registered. These events will be alcohol free. A registered rush event may be volunteer work, Monday Night Football, cook outs, etc. These registered rush events will be monitored by the IFC and the Office of Student Affairs to ensure that they are in compliance with the IFC Statutes.

Section 4.

After Smokers and continuing throughout the academic year, a fraternity may extend bids to any full-time Hampden-Sydney student who is not a member or pledge of another social fraternity or of Alpha Chi Sigma. There may be no dual pledging or membership in a social fraternity and Alpha Chi Sigma. A man may pledge a fraternity at any time after Smokers (the IFC may establish a day upon which most bids are made and accepted). The IFC must be informed when a bid is made. A bid may be accepted only after clearance by the IFC. Failure to obtain proper clearance will void the bid. Proper forms may be obtained in the IFC office. Any individual or fraternity that does not comply with academic standards for pledging is subject to disciplinary action ($300 fine, at least, for individuals, and closing for the fraternity).

Section 5.

Any transfer student with 15 semester hours of credit or more may pledge at any time during his first semester at the College.

Section 6.

Pledging: Fraternities place priority emphasis upon the scholastic achievement of their members. The scholarship chairman of each fraternity will communicate with the academic advisors of its pledges and, with the fraternity advisor, monitor the academic progress of pledges. Pledges who receive deficiency reports will be directed by the fraternity to participate in the academic support services provided by the College, and their progress will be monitored by the scholarship chairman.

Section 7.

Fraternities are required to conduct formal initiations. Mental or physical hazing of any kind is prohibited.

No fraternity may pledge a student unless all members of the fraternity sign the anti-hazing agreement.

Hazing is defined as any mental or physical abuse which, intentionally or unintentionally, humiliates or degrades an individual or threatens his health, safety, or mental or physical well-being. Any forced or voluntary activity including that which interferes with an individual’s normal pursuit of his academic work is also unacceptable (e.g., abduction and/or abandonment away from campus). Any activity which involves the forced or voluntary consumption of alcohol or encourages the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated. It should be noted that Virginia is one of the states which prohibits hazing by law, and those guilty of hazing are subject to prosecution and expulsion from the College.

No one may remain in the status of a pledge for more than eight weeks. A pledge may be initiated only if he meets the following requirements:

a 2.0 grade point average for the semester prior to initiation; and

an accumulated grade-point average equal to or above that which the College requires to avoid academic probation; and

Submission of his name to the Assistant Dean of Students for clearance before initiation.

Failure to obtain proper clearance will result in the fraternity being fined $100 per initiate and notification to the national office to void the initiation.

Proper forms are available in the IFC office.

ARTICLE Ⅺ

Section 1.

These statutes may be amended by a three-fourths majority vote of the IFC.

Section 2.

All statutes are subject to the approval of the Faculty and its Student Affairs Committee.

Section 3.

When a violation of the IFC Statutes is alleged to have occurred, the chairman of the IFC or his designee must investigate the incident and report to the Assistant Dean of Students within 72 hours.

At the discretion of the IFC Judiciary Committee and/or the Assistant Dean of Students, appropriate action may be taken against fraternities that violate these statutes.

Actions of the IFC Judiciary Committee are subject to review by the Assistant Dean of Students and the Dean of Students, who may concur or act independently on statute violations.

Section 4.

These statutes must be reviewed by the Student Affairs Committee of the Faculty at the request of the IFC or the Executive Committee of the Faculty.

Approved by the faculty in December 1984.

* A guest is an individual who has been invited to a specific function by a brother and whose presence is known to the president or officer responsible for the social activity.

✝ The IFC and the College will not hesitate to take legal action against individuals who trespass on fraternity property or disrupt social functions.